Indian and US troops at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. (Photo: MoD)
New Delhi: The 20th edition of the India-USA joint military drills, Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 2024, began on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. This annual exercise, which first took place in 2004, alternates between India and the USA, aiming to enhance joint military capabilities and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
This year’s exercise, which will conclude on September 22, will witness increased scope and complexity in comparison with its past editions.
In Yudh Abhyas 2024, both nations have deployed 600 personnel each, with the Indian contingent represented by a battalion of the Rajput Regiment and other arms and services, while the US contingent will be represented by troops from the 1-24 Battalion of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division. This is a significant increase from the previous edition, which saw around 350 personnel from each side.
The primary objective of Exercise Yudh Abhyas is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on operations in a semi-desert environment, with tactical drills, like joint responses to terrorist actions, joint planning, and combined field-training exercises, that simulate real-world counterterrorism operations.
The exercise will also feature advanced equipment, such as the M142 HIMARS and Stryker vehicles, from the US Army.
Among other things, Exercise Yudh Abhyas facilitates the development of interoperability, camaraderie, and bonhomie between the two forces, which further strengthens the defence cooperation and bilateral relations between New Delhi and Washington.
The previous edition of Yudh Abhyas was held in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA, while the last Indian edition took place in Auli, Uttarakhand, close to the line of actual control with China, in November 2022.
